What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application designed to work seamlessly with your Ledger® hardware wallet. It serves as your primary interface for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio while your private keys remain securely stored offline on your hardware device.

Unlike exchange-based wallets, Ledger Live gives you complete control over your assets. The application allows you to check your balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, buy crypto with fiat currency, stake assets to earn rewards, and even exchange tokens directly within the app—all while maintaining the highest security standards that Ledger® is known for.

Getting Started with Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet

To begin your journey with Ledger Live, you'll first need a Ledger® hardware wallet—either the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax. These devices provide the secure element where your private keys are generated and stored, completely isolated from internet-connected devices.

Initial Setup Process:

  1. Unbox and Connect: Connect your Ledger® device to your computer using the provided USB cable.
  2. Download Ledger Live: Visit the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Initialize Your Device: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. This includes generating your 24-word recovery phrase—the most critical security element.
  4. Install Apps: Use Ledger Live to install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each app acts as a gateway for that specific blockchain.
  5. Create Accounts: Add accounts for each cryptocurrency you wish to manage through Ledger Live.

Remember to always purchase your Ledger® device directly from the official Ledger website to avoid tampered devices.

Start Your Setup Now

Troubleshooting Common Ledger Live Issues

While Ledger Live is designed for smooth operation, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are solutions to some common problems:

Ledger Live App Won't Open or Crashes

If Ledger Live fails to launch or crashes frequently:

Device Not Recognized by Ledger Live

If your Ledger® hardware wallet isn't being detected:

Transaction Issues

If transactions are failing or pending for too long:

For more specific issues, visit the Ledger® Support Center which contains detailed troubleshooting guides for hundreds of scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger Live free to use? +

Yes, Ledger Live is completely free to download and use. The only cost associated with using the Ledger® ecosystem is the initial purchase price of the hardware wallet itself. There are no subscription fees for using Ledger Live, though standard blockchain network fees apply to transactions.

Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger® hardware wallet? +

No, Ledger Live is specifically designed to work with Ledger® hardware wallets. The application requires a connected Ledger device to sign transactions and access your accounts. Without the hardware wallet, you can only use Ledger Live to view market data and educational content, but not manage any assets.

What cryptocurrencies are supported by Ledger Live? +

Ledger Live supports over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Polkadot, Cardano, and many ERC-20 tokens. The list of supported assets is constantly expanding. You can check the complete and updated list of supported cryptocurrencies on the official Ledger website.

Is it safe to buy cryptocurrency through Ledger Live? +

Yes, the "Buy" feature in Ledger Live is provided through regulated third-party partners. When you buy crypto through Ledger Live, the assets are sent directly to your Ledger® hardware wallet, meaning you maintain custody from the moment of purchase. This eliminates the risk associated with leaving funds on exchanges.

What should I do if I lose my Ledger® device? +

If you lose your Ledger® device but have your 24-word recovery phrase, your funds are completely safe. Simply purchase a new Ledger® device and restore your wallet using your recovery phrase. This is why it's crucial to never share your recovery phrase and store it securely offline. Without the recovery phrase, lost devices mean permanent loss of funds.

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers? +

Yes, you can install and use Ledger Live on multiple computers. Your accounts are not stored in the application itself but are derived from your device when connected. Simply install Ledger Live on another computer, connect your Ledger® device, and add the accounts you wish to manage. Your portfolio data will sync across installations.